Pace Encourages ECCC Graduates To Continue In The “EC” Way

NESHOBA CO., Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – Addressing his fellow graduates at East Central Community College’s 87^th Commencement held Friday, May 6, at the Neshoba County Coliseum in Philadelphia, Ben Pace encouraged his fellow graduates to make the “EC Way” a part of everyday life.

“I believe that East Central has instilled in us a way of life in the EC Way,” said Pace of Philadelphia.

“From the moment many of us stepped foot on campus, we were taught to practice this motto as a way of representing this institution. Now, we can adopt this motto as our way of life so that every decision will be made with the EC Way, Excellence with Class, in mind.”

Dr. Teresa Houston, vice president for instruction, presented the candidates for graduation, and ECCC President Dr. Billy Stewart awarded degrees and certificates during the ceremony.

Nearly 650 students applied to graduate, which would be a record graduating class.

Included in the total were those who completed degree requirements following the spring 2016 and fall and summer 2015 terms.

The final number of students who met all criteria to graduate will be determined next week.

East Central had its largest graduating class in history in May 2015 when 568 students received diplomas or certificates.

Pace began his remarks by recalling the friendships, memories and opportunities experienced at East Central and by thanking those who had influenced his education.

“I am so privileged and humbled to stand here tonight. These last two years have flown by. Whoever said time flies when you are having fun was sure right! My time at East Central has been honestly the two best years of my life.

“I want to thank, first of all, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for blessing me with the opportunity to attend East Central Community College. To my parents, words cannot truly express what you mean to me. Thank you for your love and support and raising me up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  Also, I want to say thanks to a supporting and loving family.

“I sincerely want to thank members of the Board of Trustees, college administration, faculty, and professional and support staff for the countless hours that you put in on a daily basis to ensure that East Central is the best possible place to gain a great education. Also, thank you for working every day to make East Central what it is and what it will be for years to come, and that is a community college where individuals are working together to make East Central the best that it can be!”

Pace, who was recently inducted into the ECCC Hall of Fame, continued by congratulating fellow graduates and challenging them to trust in a higher power no matter what the future holds.

“Finally, to my fellow graduates, congratulations on making it to this moment of new beginning in all of our lives. It has taken a great deal of determination and countless hours of studying and preparing for our classes, but this day is now upon us where we can reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and anticipate the future.

“No matter what the next step is in each of our lives, whether it is an institution of higher learning, or to join the workforce, I wish each of you nothing but the best. I am sure both of these paths, whichever one may be for you, will lead to some uncertain times, but I am reminded of the words of King Solomon: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”

He concluded with the words to “My Wish,” made popular by country recording artists Rascal Flatts, which he said was his wish for fellow graduates.

“My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to. Your dreams stay big your worries stay small. You never need to carry more than you can hold and while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too. Yeah, this is my wish.”

In addition to Pace, other graduating sophomores participating in the commencement program were Pashien Kelly-Johnson of Diamondhead, invocation, and Elias Jimmie of Choctaw, benediction.

Presenting the musical selection “You’ll Never Walk Alone/Climb Every Mountain” were graduating sophomores Louise Berryhill and Kirk Griffin, both of Union, Taylor Lott of Forest, Hannah Mitchell of Lawrence, Ryan Mott and Kaylee Yates, both of Decatur; Madelon Taylor of Louisville, Anna Claire Webb of Noxapater, and Pace. Nina LaBlue of Conehatta played the trumpet.